numerology

noun

nu·​mer·​ol·​o·​gy ˌnü-mə-ˈrä-lə-jē 

ˌnyü-

: the study of the occult significance of numbers

numerological

ˌnü-mə-rə-ˈlä-ji-kəl 

ˌnyü-

adjective

numerologist

ˌnü-mə-ˈrä-lə-jist 

ˌnyü-

noun

Did you know?

As an element of astrology and fortune-telling, numerology has long been employed to predict future events. For many early Christians, 3 represented the Trinity, 6 represented earthly perfection, and 7 represented heavenly perfection; and still today, many of us like to group things into sets of 3 or 7, for no particular reason. Numerology has also been used to interpret personality; in particular, numerologists may assign numbers to each letter of a person's name and use the resulting figures, along with the person's date of birth, as a guide to his or her character.

Examples of numerology in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In the middle of the episode, the pop superstar — who demonstrated visible PDA with Travis, 35, throughout the podcast's two-hour duration (kissing, hand-holding and all) — discussed her obsession with numerology, particularly her fascination with the number 13. —Skyler Caruso, People.com, 14 Aug. 2025

That’s why numerology is at the center of Lake & Skye. —Celia Shatzman, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2025

There are many different schools of numerology, such as the Pythagorean system and Chaldean method. Wilder, who uses Chaldean numerology, says most esoteric sciences or spiritual fields – including palm reading or astrology – are based in numerology. —Olivia Munson, USA TODAY, 3 Dec. 2024

Somer initially became interested in numerology during her Kundalini yoga studies. —Celia Shatzman, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin numerus number entry 1+ -o- + -logy

First Known Use

circa 1907, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for numerology

• aetiology
• anthropology
• archaeology
• archeology
• audiology
• cardiology
• climatology
• cohomology
• cosmetology
• criminology
• demonology
• dermatology